Awadhi culinary splendour

Elan, The Lodhi

Resonating with the warmth and earthy legacy of The Lodhi, the stylish restaurant Elan aims to offer unique experiences for the food enthusiasts of the capital. One such delightful experience is the special food menu showcasing the flavours of Awadh by none other than Padma Shri Awardee – Grand Master, Chef Dr Imtiaz Qureshi. He has curated the menu for the discerning diners to discover the culinary splendour of Awadh as every dish revives majestic flavours that once provoked the palates of kings, along with the meticulous serving rituals that stood in attendance at royal repasts.

It was a pleasure to meet his son, Chef Mohammed Imran Qureshi who has been trained by his father and is now a celebrated chef in his own right. Chef Imran made sure we taste the signature dishes from the menu as follows:

Signature veg

Nadru Ki Shammi
Lotus stem and seasonal vegetables shammi with orange and blackcurrants

Harra Kebab Awadhi
Delicately flavoured kebab of spinach and chana dal stuffed with cottage cheese, pista and raisins, grilled in a pan. This one’s for vegetarians
Dal Badami
White urad lentils tempered with fresh dill leaves enriched with flakes of almonds

Tandoori Gucchi
Large Kashmiri morels filled with cheese, herbs and pomegranate, cooked in tandoor

Gucchi Pulao
Saffron seasoned basmati cooked with morels stuffed with herbs and cheese, finished in a sealed handi with cardamom

Signature nonveg

Jhinga Kali Mirch Ke Kebab
Jumbo prawns marinated in ginger paste and hung yoghurt, cooked in tandoor

Galawati Kebab
A classic kebab from the famous bylanes of Lucknow, lamb mince blended with spices, cashew and brown onions flavoured with saffron, rolled as patty and shallow fried

Raan-e-Awadhi
Leg of lamb marinated in dark rum, stuffed with onions, pickled garlic and cheese, cooked on dum

Murgh Malai Imtiazi
Chicken marinated with yoghurt and flavoured with lemon, stuffed with cream cheese, mint, sliced onions, ginger and royal cumin seeds, pot roasted

Dum Doodhiya Biryani
Basmati simmered with lamb in mace, ittar and kewra, finished in a sealed handi

Signature Desserts

Imtiazi Poran Poli
Mille feuille flaky paratha and anjeer badam halwa

Shahi Tukra
Exotic dessert of saffron rabri, spread on a slice of syrup, soaked in homemade bread
Once you have embarked upon a culinary trail of Awadh through these eclectic dishes, come back to Elan for a Teppanyaki Theatre or Sushi Bar where guests can enjoy an interactive experience, witnessing the Master Chefs hand-crafting signature creations. The regular menu presents an eclectic range of fresh and seasonal options from around the world with a special emphasis on the best of regional Indian and Oriental cuisines.
Élan is spread across three main areas: indoor dining, the bar and open-air courtyard. Adjoining a reflecting pool and overlooking the hotel’s verdant lawns, the scenic al fresco area is an ideal place for catching up over a coffee, glass of wine, snack or full meal.

Where: The Lodhi,
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
Meal for 2 : Rs 3,500 + taxes